Instead, the planned opening ceremony for the market on Saturday afternoon, including the official switching on of the lights, has been postponed until further notice.
Black flags will be flown at the Rathaus (Town Hall) in sympathy with the more than 127 people killed and 250 wounded in the terrorist attacks in Paris.
All market stalls will be open as planned, in what is widely recognized as one of Austria's best Christmas markets.
Isabella (19), chosen to represent the Christkindl 2015. Photo: kreitner & partner
From the Christkindl Press Office:
Europe’s most child-friendly Christmas market has not only become famous but also highly popular throughout Europe and even beyond. The vision and inspiration that led to the Vienna Magic of Advent being launched 30 years ago is still the driving force behind its success today. Imaginatively decorated trees, a whole host of exciting activities for children, sparkling angel wings, a brightly illuminated Christmas tree, nativity scenes, and Christmas choirs – the traditional blends with the modern in a very special way here.
Apart from even more festooned trees, the latest highlights in the park include a Laterna Magica and Christmas customs from all over the world. Also new are the opening hours of the Viennese Christmas Market itself, which starts on Friday, November 13, and will also stay open for visitors on December 25 and 26.
When the Vienna Magic of Advent opens its doors in the center of the city, the air is filled with a very special atmosphere. The impressive backdrop of Vienna’s City Hall glows, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, cotton candy, and mulled wine at the Christmas Market makes lingering all the more tempting, and happy children’s chatter almost drowns out the carol singing at Volkshalle.
It will be anything but quiet at the Magic of Advent’s 30th anniversary. “With its varied children’s program, the colorfully decorated City Hall Park (Rathauspark), great choice at the market itself, and the many highlights, the Vienna Magic of Advent has become established as a flagship project at a European level,” explains Deputy Mayor Renate Brauner, underscoring how important Vienna’s Christmas markets are for both business and tourism.
While young visitors to the Vienna Magic of Advent can look forward to a varied program of children’s activities at Volkshalle and in the Rathauspark as usual starting Saturday, November 14 at 5 p.m. through Thursday, December 24, the opening hours for the Christmas Market stalls have changed this year: The market will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting November 13 through December 26, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 24, 2015.
“Well known both here and abroad, the Vienna Magic of Advent is an economic driver in the run-up to Christmas. More and more people are coming to the city in the festive season to experience its unique atmosphere during Advent, and to do Christmas shopping. My thanks to the many businesses that decorate their stores and displays with such attention to detail, making Vienna a global Christmas attraction,” says Rainer Trefelik, Vice President of Trade at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce.
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